The first is that he may not do so, because this involves interfering with another person’s property without his permission.

The second—and correct—opinion is that another person may remove it and pray in its place. The person who arrives first is entitled to pray in that front row and is also instructed to do so. He cannot carry out this instruction and exercise this right without removing the mat. Whatever is necessary to carry out a command is itself commanded. Moreover, the mat was placed there in an act of usurpation, which is a wrong. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever among you sees a wrong, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. If he cannot, then with his heart—and that is the weakest faith.”

However, care should be taken that this does not lead to a greater wrong. Allah Most High knows best, and all praise belongs to Allah alone.

He was asked—may Allah have mercy on him—about the hadith:

“The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, prayed on a prayer mat.”

Someone had cited a report from ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Umar, from ‘Ā’ishah, from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“He performed ablution and said, ‘O ‘Ā’ishah, bring me the khumra (mat).’ She brought it, and he prayed on it.”

He replied:

The wording of the hadith is that “he asked for the khumra.” A khumra is something made from palm fronds